Caldera ~ USA ~ Los Angeles, California

Caldera (1976)

The CD boldly claims "Masters of Funk & Soul" and "Some of the Greatest Funk Albums Ever!". Generic hype for the series perhaps, but it doesn't really apply to Caldera's debut. Los Angeles based Caldera are in the jazz fusion strike zone. Fastball down the middle. It's a great example of the scene taking some of the more Latin influenced tracks from Return to Forever and giving that style more focus. It's complex yet highly melodic. And well composed. Caldera aren't technical in the same sense as RTF, which is a plus for me. From here they were to add more funk and soul elements similar to the better side of Earth Wind & Fire. All four albums are worth exploring.

Ownership: 2004 EMI / Capitol Europe (CD). Booklet with a short history of the band and album. Acquired in 2005.

5//05; 5/26/24 (review)

Dreamer (1979)

Most bands don't end a career with their most dynamic and progressive album especially in 1979. Caldera had dabbled with commercialism on their previous two works (both still very good IMO), but this one is primarily a fiery instrumental fusion along the lines of 1972-74 era Santana, with some nods to Return to Forever. They threw caution to the wind and just went for it. If only most bands had a similar attitude back then. Arguably - and probably - their best album.

Ownership: 1979 Capitol (LP). Textured cover. Acquired in 2022.

First copy: 2015 Capitol Japan (CD). Acquired in 2015. Replaced with the above.

7/19/15 (review); 12/18/17; 5/4/22

Also own: Time and Chance

Formerly owned: Sky Islands

7/19/15 (new entry)